We were seated at a table for two against the wall. Our server brought us water and took our drink order. While we were waiting, Tony leaned forward and asked, “Did you get any feedback about your performance last night?”
I nodded. “David called today to say I did an excellent job. He’s going to put me on the rotation as a regular substitute.”
His proud grin lit up his whole face. “That’s fantastic! Congratulations.”
I felt a blush heat my cheeks. “Thanks.”
The server brought our drinks and took our dinner order. I glanced around the small restaurant, noticing the paintings bylocal artists on the wall. That jogged a memory. “Tony, do you remember Brendan, the barista at Café Roma?”
“Of course,” he replied.
“There’s going to be an exhibition of his work this Saturday. Do you want to go with me?”
“I’d love to go,” he said with a smile. “I’ll take all the time I can get with you. You just tell me when and where, and I’ll be there.”
I texted him the information for the school and the time of the exhibition. “I figured we could grab some lunch while we’re up there.”
“Sounds good to me,” he replied. Just then, his phone vibrated with a text. As he read it, his eyes widened, and a huge grin spread across his lips. He typed a quick reply and then looked at me. “Have you heard of Trevor Lawrence, the actor from London?”
“Of course I have,” I answered. “He was the lead in the new musical about Oscar Wilde and Lord Alfred Douglas that opened on the West End. He’s amazing. He won an Olivier Award for his performance.”
“Yeah, that’s him,” Tony acknowledged. “He’s opening the Broadway version of the show next week.”
“That’s right. I remember reading about that. I’ve been so busy I forgot when that was happening.” I tilted my head. “Why do you ask?”
He grinned widely. “I have two tickets for the opening night, next Thursday. Want to go?”
I blinked. I was speechless for a moment. “Are you serious?”
He nodded. “Yep. Front row orchestra.”
I was stunned silent again. Finally, I got the words out. “How? How did you get those tickets?”
This time, his smile was mischievous. “We’re doing personal security for Mr. Lawrence.”
“I’d love to go,” I said enthusiastically. “Wait,” I added as a thought occurred to me. “Does that mean you’ve met him?”
“Yeah. I had him come to the office to meet his detail. I had to make sure they would get along.”
“I assume they did,” I observed.
Tony smirked. “They did. I think Trevor has the hots for Khalil.” He shrugged. “Can’t say I blame him. Khalil’s a good-looking guy.” I glared at him with a raised brow. He chuckled. “Not my type though.”
“Is that so?”
He reached over and took my hand. “I’m more into a certain blond with bright-blue eyes.”
My insides went all gooey. “Oh yeah?”
He squeezed my hand. “Yeah.”
He had to let go when the server arrived with our food, so he slid his foot next to mine under the table. Our conversation turned to everyday topics, and I drew comfort from its easy flow. I finally felt like I’d made the right choice.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
GREG
Tony and I stayed at the restaurant until closing. I left a generous tip for our server for being patient and not shoving us out the door. The sun had long since set, and the air had gotten colder. I shivered and rubbed my hands together. I was glad the walk to my apartment wasn’t far.
